Hot Topics:

Trust in Bolinsky paying off for Nashoba

By Chris Klingenberg, Correspondent

Updated:
09/23/2018 08:45:10 AM EDT

Nashoba Regional's Sam Bolinsky throws a pass during last year's Central Mass. D4 win over Marlboro. As impressive as Bolinsky was during his junior year, he's putting up even more impressive numbers so far this season. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO

Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our SmugMug site.

FITCHBURG -- Over the years, coaches have continually worked to adapt to their players and do things to put them in the best position to succeed.

The Nashoba Regional football team has long been known as a smash-mouth group. But when Sam Bolinsky took over as quarterback as a sophomore, the Chieftains' offense took on a transformation in order to showcase the 6-foot-4's strong right arm.

"When I came here, I knew we were a running team and as a quarterback I have always just tried to show coach that I can throw the ball," Bolinsky said after Friday night's 32-2 victory over Fitchburg High at Crocker Field. "Right around my sophomore year, we started to incorporate a spread feature and ever since that we have been rolling. Coach has had full trust in me to lead this offense and it's awesome."

From the shotgun position, Bolinsky is allowed more time to pick apart opposing defenses. And that is exactly what the senior captain has done so far through the three games this year. Bolinsy added to his early season eye-popping numbers on Friday night as he went 10-for-19 for 218 yards and threw a pair of touchdowns. So far this year, Bolinsky is 39-for-55 for 536 yard and has thrown six touchdown passes.

This year, we have a lot more weapons opposed to last year where Breese (Hill) was clearly our go-to guy," Bolinsky said. "I can throw it to any of my wide receivers and have total trust in them to catch the ball. Game to game, it could vary who is going to be the star.

Advertisement

We have a full playbook where we can hand it off to anyone or throw it to anyone."

Head coach Jamie Tucker has seen his signal-caller grow from year to year.

"Sam is a three-year starter now, so he has the experience and often corrects himself before I even correct him sometimes," Tucker said. "The experience that he provides is what has really helped him develop into the quarterback everyone sees now. "I just think he has a good skill set for this offense. We also have the guys to run because you have to have the line that understands the schemes and skilled guys that can execute."

As a sophomore, Bolinsky threw for just 358 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, his numbers spiked as he threw for 1,246 yards and 11 touchdowns and the Chieftains once again made another trip to the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium.

This year, Bolinsky says the goal stays the same.

"Every year, all we want to do is win," Bolinsky said. "The goal is to get a home game for playoffs and make it to the state final. That is always our mentality. All the guys know we can do it, and we always have each other's back. It is a real brotherhood it that locker room."

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sentinel and Enterprise. So keep it civil.